An engine mounted skid plate including a skid plate body, a support structure, and a mounting structure. The support structure is secured to the skid plate body and serves to reinforce same. The mounting structure is secured to the support structure and is directly and removably attached to the engine. The skid plate body is supported and disposed relatively beneath the engine by the support structure and the mounting structure. By being directly attached to the engine, the skid plate exploits the resilient suspension of the engine and transmission and is thereby better able to handle severe impacts.